Leadership

Danny and Jenny have been married and serving in ministry since 2000. Prior to church planting in Santa Cruz in 2010 they served as youth pastors for 10 years. They grew up in Southern California where they met in the 3rd grade and later attended Bible College together. They genuinely love people and have a huge heart to reach our community and raise up leaders. They love life, family, surfing, fishing, riding bikes, and a good burrito. They have two children, Ruby (16) and Kalé (9).

Chris and Amy Matley have been married for over 20 years and have followed Jesus since childhood. They were born and raised in Santa Cruz county and are the parents of three amazing children. As a family they enjoy black and white movies, good books, dark chocolate and working on their old victorian. They have served in various kinds of ministry since high school, including youth, young adults, worship and church leadership. More recently they have focused their efforts on mentorship of young leaders, teaching scripture and inspiring others towards leadership. Currently, they help lead the Tradewinds alongside Danny and Jenny Bennett and they are also the campus pastors of the Soquel location.

Steve and Donna have been married for 40 years and have served in full time pastoral ministry for 36 years. They love spending time with their 2 adult children and 1 daughter-in-love; as well as enjoying beach walks and travel. Through the years, Steve and Donna have been church planters, youth/young adult pastors, missionaries, lead pastors, area pastors and worked for the former Central Pacific District Office for Foursquare Churches. They currently serve as campus pastors at the Aptos Campus and their passion is to see people come to know the love, life and freedom in Jesus.

Tim and Nicole have been married for 26 years and have three young adult kids. They've served in full-time ministry all 26 years of their marriage too. Whether it was serving in leadership with ministries like CRU or serving for 15 years as Lead Pastors, church planters, and more in the local church, they've come to be defined as people who are stoked to point people to what matters most in this life. They love all of what living in Santa Cruz offers too - whether it's surfing our cold waters, hiking the beautiful redwoods, or getting great coffee at their favorite spot.

Maria holds a Master’s Degree in Divinity from the King’s University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Community Studies from UCSC. She has held administrative and executive positions in various organizations including the County of Santa Clara, King’s University, and Hope Church. Currently, Maria serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of New Life Community Services and has been actively involved in leading bible studies, small group ministries, and children’s ministries.